Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Texas State Technical College (TSTC) will receive a $3.5 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) for its Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program at the Williamson County Campus in Hutto.
“Texas maintains its investment in high-demand skills training to open the door for Texans to have better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities,” said Governor Abbott. “With this TSIF grant, TSTC will transform existing instructional and lab space into a training facility focused on semiconductor and electromechanical workforce development. Working together with our higher education partners, we will ensure the technologies that power the future are made in Texas.”
The new program aims to prepare technicians within 10 weeks for positions in semiconductor fabrication, including equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists. The initiative includes a wafer processing learning facility with a mock cleanroom designed to replicate industry workflows.
“Texas is the epicenter of business prosperity in the U.S.,” said TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser. “That is why we will surely lead the way as our country re-shores and builds up our manufacturing and semiconductor infrastructure again. Through this new funding vehicle, TSTC is proud to join with the Governor’s Office and other state leaders to keep Texas the place to do business in America.”
Senator Charles Schwertner commented, “This grant represents Texas’ continued commitment to building a first-rate workforce for a world-class economy. By expanding access to semiconductor technician training, right here in Williamson County, we are preparing Texans to lead in the industries that define tomorrow.”
Representative Caroline Harris Davila added, “In my first legislative session, I was proud to pass House Bill 2132, which established Texas State Technical College’s location in eastern Williamson County as a permanent, independent campus to meet the region’s growing workforce training needs. This new Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant builds on that foundation, helping expand TSTC’s Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program and further strengthen our local workforce pipeline. I want to thank Governor Abbott for his continued commitment to investing in our students and ensuring Texas remains at the forefront of innovation. This investment will equip students with the advanced skills needed for a modern, high-tech workforce, create quality jobs for Texans, and support the semiconductor operations and chip production that drive our economy and are vital to our national security.”
The TSIF was established under legislation signed by Governor Abbott through the Texas CHIPS Act in 2023. The fund supports research, design, manufacturing initiatives related to semiconductors across Texas institutions of higher education.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office of state government focusing on economic development and educational improvement while advancing job growth across Texas through various initiatives such as this one. His administration has contributed significantly toward making Texas a leader in employment levels nationally (source). The Office also operates out of Austin at the State Insurance Building (source) as part of its role within the executive branch of state government.
